Former Plain Dealer reporter Pat Galbincea selected to National Wrestling Hall of Fame

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Former Cleveland Plain Dealer sports writer Pat Galbincea will be inducted into the Ohio Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, along with several coaches from around the state for their "Lifetime Service to Wrestling."

Galbincea, 69, covered high school and college wrestling for The Plain Dealer for 45 years, as well as several other sports. He also worked as police reporter and a general assignment news reporter. He retired from The Plain Dealer in 2013.

Galbincea said he was shocked to hear he was nominated, and "amazed I was given the honor."

Lee Roy Smith, executive director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in Stillwater, Oklahoma was the first to give him the word.

"This award acknowledges that your life has been significant and you are leaving behind a legacy that others admire,'' Smith said to Galbincea. "You have a special place in the heritage of the sport and your legacy is going to be recognized at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum."

While the news has yet to be officially announced, Joel Greenlee from the Ohio Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame confirmed the honor.

Greenlee, head wrestling coach at Ohio University, said Northeast Ohio will be well represented at the October 15 induction ceremonies in Dublin, Ohio. Wadsworth coach John Gramuglia and former freestyle champion C. David Range from Cleveland Heights will also be inducted.

Others from Ohio being inducted include: coach Gary Wise from Beavercreek High School; former coach Dick McCoy from Cincinnati Elder; coach Chuck Forward from Archibald; and coach Ron Masanek from Fairfield. Also receiving the "Outstanding American" Award will be Steven Chappelear from Pataskala, Ohio.